Dourados Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Dourados, Brazil. Learn about the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety, and transportation options.


Dourados Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Tour Guide for Dourados

Introduction to Dourados

Dourados is a city located in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in Central West, in South America. It is considered the second most important city in the state, after the capital, Campo Grande. The city is famous for its agriculture production, mainly of soybean, corn, and wheat. With a population of over 200,000 people, Dourados offers a lot of attractions for tourists, including museums, parks, and outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Dourados

Dourados has a lot of interesting places to visit, including cultural and natural attractions. Here are some of the must-see places in the city:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Antonio João Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the indigenous people of the region, as well as to the city’s history.
  • Museum of the History of Dourados: Located in the city center, this museum tells the story of the city’s development, from its origins to the present day.
  • Pioneer Museum: This museum features artifacts from the pioneer era of Dourados, including clothing, furniture, and tools.

Natural Attractions of Dourados: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Serra das Perdizes: This mountain range is located 15 km from the city and offers hiking trails and a beautiful view of the region.
  • Bela Vista Ecological Park: This park is located in the city center and offers jogging and hiking trails, as well as a lake for fishing and picnic areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dourados

Dourados has several hiking and biking routes that offer beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Caminho do Rio: This route follows the banks of the Paraná River and offers a beautiful view of the river and the surrounding landscape.
  • Parque dos Ipês: This route is located in the city center and offers a great opportunity for jogging and cycling.

Best Things to Do in Dourados: Activities and Tours

Dourados offers a lot of interesting activities and tours for tourists. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Visit an Indigenous Village: Dourados is home to several indigenous communities, which offer a unique insight into their culture and way of life.
  • Explore the City Center: The city center is home to several historic buildings, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Municipal Theater.
  • Visit a Farm: Agriculture is an important industry in Dourados, and several farms offer tours that provide insight into the production of soybean, corn, and wheat.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dourados

If you’re planning a week-long visit to Dourados, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Antonio João Museum and the Museum of the History of Dourados
2 Hike in Serra das Perdizes
3 Visit an indigenous village and explore the city center
4 Bike in Parque dos Ipês and visit a farm
5 Relax at Bela Vista Ecological Park
6 Day trip to Ponta Porã, a nearby city known for its shopping
7 Depart for your next destination

Food and Drink Scene of Dourados

Dourados offers a diverse culinary scene, with a focus on traditional dishes. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Carne de Sol: This is a typical dish from the region, made with dried beef and served with rice, beans, and vegetables.
  • Pão de Queijo: This is a cheese bread that is very popular in Brazil, and Dourados has some of the best pão de queijo in the state.

Local Beverages

  • Tereré: This is a cold infusion of yerba mate, served in a traditional gourd with a metal straw. It is a popular drink in the region, especially during hot days.
  • Cachaça: This is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane juice. It is a popular drink in Brazil, and Dourados has several brands of cachaça that are worth trying.

Where to Stay in Dourados: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Dourados has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Hotel 10 Dourados: This hotel is located in the city center and offers comfortable rooms and a great breakfast buffet.
  • Dourados Plaza Hotel: This hotel is located near the city center and offers a swimming pool, sauna, and gym.
  • Hostel Pousada Dourados: This hostel offers budget accommodation in a cozy and friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Dourados: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Dourados is famous for its agricultural production, and there are several local products that are worth buying. Here are some of the best souvenirs and products to bring home:

  • Soybean Products: Dourados is one of the largest producers of soybean in Brazil, and there are several products made with soybean, such as soy milk, tofu, and soy sauce.
  • Handicrafts: The indigenous communities in the region create beautiful handicrafts, such as baskets, pottery, and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Dourados

Dourados is a multicultural city, with a strong indigenous presence. The indigenous communities in the region have their own customs, language, and way of life, and it is important to respect their culture and traditions. Carnival is also a big event in Dourados, with street parties, live music, and parades.

Best Time to Visit Dourados

The best time to visit Dourados is from May to September, when the weather is dry and pleasant. The summer months (December to February) can be hot and humid, with frequent rain showers.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dourados

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Dourados:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs, especially of the indigenous communities.
  • Try the local cuisine and products, such as soybean products and pão de queijo.
  • Learn some Portuguese, as English is not widely spoken in the region.

Don’t:

  • Litter, as this is a serious offense in Brazil.
  • Disrespect the local culture and traditions.
  • Walk alone in deserted areas, especially at night.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dourados

Dourados is a relatively safe city, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling. Here are some safety tips:

  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid deserted areas, especially at night.
  • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and avoid using public transportation at night.

Health in Dourados

Dourados has good medical facilities, and there are several hospitals and clinics in the city. It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance when visiting Brazil, and to bring any necessary medication and vaccinations.

Getting to Dourados: Transportation Options and Logistics

Dourados is located approximately 230 km from Campo Grande, the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul. The city can be reached by air or land.

Airports Near Dourados

The nearest airport to Dourados is Francisco de Matos Pereira Airport (DOU). However, this airport only offers domestic flights to São Paulo and Campo Grande.

Bus Stations Near Dourados

Dourados has a bus station that connects the city with other destinations in the state and in Brazil.

Other Options

If you’re driving, Dourados can be reached by the BR-163 highway, which connects the city with several other cities in Mato Grosso do Sul.

How to Get Around in Dourados

The best way to get around Dourados is by car or taxi. There are several car rental companies in the city, and taxis are relatively cheap and easy to find.

Where to Go Next from Dourados: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that are worth visiting:

  • Campo Grande: The capital of Mato Grosso do Sul is located approximately 230 km from Dourados and offers several attractions, including the Parque das Nações Indígenas and the Mercado Municipal.
  • Bonito: This town is located approximately 300 km from Dourados and is famous for its crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls, which offer great opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.
  • Ponta Porã: This city is located on the border with Paraguay and offers great opportunities for shopping and cultural exploration.

Conclusion

Dourados is a city with a unique cultural and natural heritage, offering great opportunities for outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and relaxation. With its diverse culinary scene and comfortable accommodation options, it’s a destination worth considering for your next trip to Brazil.